Kidney, Renal Tubule - Hypertrophy

Renal tubule hypertrophy is characterized by enlarged tubule epithelial cells that have variable tinctorial staining. Typically, the tubule is lined by a single layer of epithelial cells, and the numbers of epithelial cells are not increased. The cytoplasm of hypertrophic cells is usually amorphous and brightly eosinophilic, while nuclei appear small, round and dense (Figure 1 and Figure 2). Tangential sections through renal tubule hypertrophy may be misleading, appearing somewhat hyperplastic. Hypertrophy is often observed in more severe cases of chronic progressive nephropathy (see Kidney - Nephropathy, Chronic Progressive ) and is believed to be a compensatory mechanism related to a decline in renal function. It may also result from chemical administration. Hypertrophy should not be regarded as a preneoplastic condition.